Hermit Road at a glance
Hermit Road starts at the Village Historic District and follows the rim for 7 miles (11 km) to Hermits Rest. Along the way are 9 named overlooks, and the Rim Trail runs beside the road for 7.8 miles (12.6 km). It is the best-known drive on the South Rim, but for most of the year you do not drive it yourself. Cars are not allowed from 1 March to 30 November, so you ride the free Red Route shuttle instead.
If you want the stops explained by a guide, ask about the bus tours to Hermits Rest listed under Grand Canyon tours. For a view from the air instead, see Grand Canyon helicopter tours.
Hermit Road shuttle and driving rules by season
The rule depends on the month, not on the weather alone.
| When | Private cars | Red Route shuttle | On foot or by bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 March to 30 November | Not allowed | Runs (fall 2026: first bus 8 a.m., last bus one hour after sunset) | Allowed |
| December to February | Allowed for vehicles under 22 ft (6.7 m) total length, if the road is clear of snow | No Red Route shuttle on Hermit Road | Allowed |
For most visitors the shuttle is the better choice from March to November, and a short walk along the Rim Trail between two stops adds variety. In winter, the road can be driven by smaller vehicles, but snow and ice can close it at short notice.
Our pick: a hike from the western end
A guided day hike on the Hermit Trail, which starts near Hermits Rest.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Grand Canyon tours from the South Rim
Bus tours, jeep tours and helicopter flights that include the South Rim, with live prices and availability.
Riding the Red Route
The fall 2026 schedule shows how the route works.
Frequency
In the daytime a bus arrives about every 12 minutes. A full loop without getting off takes 80 minutes.
First and last bus
The first bus leaves at 8 a.m. The last one runs one hour after sunset, which makes the road a good option for evening light.
Getting on and off
The return bus does not stop at every viewpoint, so check the route before you get off. Pets are not allowed on park shuttles, but service dogs are. Buses can pause in bad weather.
Cost
The shuttle is free with your park entry. See entrance fees for 2026 prices.
Hopi Point, Mohave Point and Pima Point
Hopi Point is the stop the park names for sunset. Mohave Point and Pima Point are also named for wide views. There is no single best overlook, so plan to see two or three and check the return route before you get off.
Stay behind the railings, keep at least 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) from the edge and never throw stones or objects into the canyon. Do not feed or approach wildlife. More about the light is in our sunset and sunrise guide.
Hermits Rest
Hermits Rest is the end of the road. The stone building was designed by Mary Colter and dates from 1914. Today it has a souvenir shop and snack offer, plus restrooms. A stone arch stands nearby, and the Rim Trail ends here.
Because the return bus does not stop at every viewpoint, many visitors ride out to Hermits Rest, then walk or ride back and get off where they like. If you plan to walk a section, take water and check the time of the last bus first.
Walking or cycling Hermit Road
You can walk or cycle Hermit Road all year, including in the months when cars are not allowed. The Rim Trail runs beside it for 7.8 miles (12.6 km), so you can ride the shuttle out, walk one or two sections and ride back. This is the easiest way to see the rim without a car.
Plan the day around the heat. In summer the park advises against hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so walk early or late and carry more water than you think you need. Over-drinking can also be unsafe, so pair water with food and breaks. Short walks along the rim are fine at any time of year, but ice can make the path slippery in winter. Traction aids for your shoes help.
Hikes that go below the rim have separate limits right now. For the open trails and closures, see Grand Canyon hikes.
South Rim viewpoints beyond Hermit Road
Hermit Road is one of three main ways to see the rim.
Mather Point
The first view for most visitors, a short walk from the Visitor Center.
Desert View Watchtower
The 23-mile drive east along AZ 64 and the tower at its end.
Grand Canyon Village
Where Hermit Road starts, with shuttle routes and services.
Hermit Road is inside the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It is not the same as Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk, which are a separate trip on tribal land. Our sister guide covers the Skywalk and the West Rim.
Hermit Road: frequently asked questions
Can I drive Hermit Road?
Not from 1 March to 30 November, when it is closed to private vehicles. From December to February, vehicles under 22 feet in total length may use it, as long as snow does not close the road.
Is the Hermit Road shuttle free?
Yes. The shuttle is included in your park entry.
How long does the Red Route take?
A full loop without getting off takes 80 minutes. Plan more time if you get off at overlooks.
Does the shuttle run in winter?
No Red Route shuttle runs on Hermit Road in winter. You can drive a smaller vehicle, walk or cycle instead.
Which viewpoint suits sunset on Hermit Road?
Hopi Point is the one the park names for sunset. Mohave Point and Pima Point are also named for wide views.
Is this the official Hermit Road page?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not connected to the National Park Service, the park's lodging operators or any tour company. Check current road and shuttle status with the National Park Service before you go.